Waste wood and RDF firm Boomeco has been working with the Environment Agency to tackle fly infestation problems at its site in Avonmouth, Gloucestershire, after receiving a number of complaints from residents living close to the site.
The Agency said it was informed by Boomeco Ltd earlier this month (May 7) that there had been problems with quantities of flies accumulating on refuse derived fuel (RDF) bales being stored at its St Andrews Road site prior to export.
An investigation by the Agency into the cause of the problem found that some of the bales of waste were damaged. These were subsequently removed from the site.
Boomeco also agreed to spray remaining bales with chemicals to kill the flies, and although the Agency said this process was originally hampered by rain on the day it took place, this procedure has been repeated several times since to ensure as many flies as possible have been killed.
In addition, the Agency said, some bales have been rewrapped to ensure flies cannot get in and lay eggs on the waste and officers are frequently visiting the site to monitor progress.
Speaking to letsrecycle.com, managing director of Boomeco, Oliver Latter, explained that the fly infestation was part of teething problems from a contract agreed in February with North Somerset council to process 10,000 tonnes of residual waste per year into RDF (see letsrecycle.com story).
‘We experienced an infestation of flies which we have been dealing with over the last couple of weeks. It came from damaged bales on the docks. But, moving forward, we are dealing with the problem and are working closely with the Environment Agency.’
Oliver Latter, Boomeco managing directer
Mr Latter said: We experienced an infestation of flies which we have been dealing with over the last couple of weeks. It came from damaged bales on the docks. But, moving forward, we are dealing with the problem and are working closely with the Environment Agency.
He added: The problem with the bales has subsided and we are confident we are on top of things.
Sims Group
Also on St Andrews Road in Avonmouth, the Environment Agency said it had received a small number of complaints regarding a black metallic dust it believes is coming from Sims Group UK Ltds scrap metal site.
According to the Agency, the dust may be coming from Sims premises, as it has also found similar dust on the site.
As a result, the Agency said it was working co-operatively with the company and some equipment has been enclosed to reduce the risk of dust escaping from it, while there has also been a thorough clean of the site in addition to Sims usual cleaning regime.
The Agency said: The Environment Agency is working with both Boomeco and the Sims Group to make sure these problems are put right.
Register for free to comment